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Archive of Economy & Business on Wednesday July 01, 2009
Financial crisis torments states
(Updated 11:29 a.m. EDT, July 1, 2009) California may begin issuing IOUs this week because of the state’s unresolved budget crisis. But government disruptions were averted at least temporarily in five other states that missed a July 1 deadline for closing billion-dollar budget gaps. Read More
US: Tax hikes and cutbacks -- States crunched
NEW YORK -- It's not a happy new year for the states. States are carrying their financial woes into the new fiscal year, which for most started on Wednesday. Some had yet to pass their fiscal 2010 budgets. For others, tax hikes and draconian spending cuts went into effect. Read More
US: Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. Read More
AK: Pro-Palin Web site attacks Fairbanks Rep. Jay Ramras over BP stock
A pro-Palin Web site is crying foul over Rep. Jay Ramras' ownership of BP stock, prompting the Fairbanks Republican to defend his holdings and his integrity. Read More
AL: Siegelman seeks new trial in bribery case
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman has asked for a new trial in his bribery case, citing claims by a whistleblower in the federal prosecutor's office that a key government witness was heavily coached. Read More
AR: Stimulus funds to aid energy efficiency
Fayetteville is receiving $725,000 in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency and conservation projects. Read More
AZ: Many agencies brace to close; public safety will be top priority
Without a budget resolution late Tuesday, there was widespread uncertainty about how state government would function today. Read More
AZ: Budget struggle down to the wire
A testy and divided Legislature battled into the night Tuesday, preparing to send Gov. Jan Brewer a budget plan for fiscal 2010 that would cut more than $600 million from state spending but keep government doors open. Read More
CA: California chain restaurants must post calorie counts starting today
California becomes the first state in the nation to legislate the cheeseburger today, when a new law — aimed at reducing obesity and heart disease — forces restaurants with at least 20 locations to reveal the number of calories in most of the food on their menus. Read More
CA: 11th-hour votes on state budget fail
With a day to go until a cash crisis would force the state to stop paying its bills, lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger worked into the night Tuesday but failed to reach a budget agreement. Read More
CA: EPA to let Calif. set own auto emissions limits
The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday granted California's request to set its own limits on greenhouse gases from autos -- a long-sought victory with limited impact now that the federal government has pledged to impose national limits. Read More
CA: To solve deficit, Schwarzenegger turns to a Democrat
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his effort to end the partisan bickering that is pushing California to the brink of insolvency, is deploying Susan Kennedy, his cigar-smoking, paintball-playing Democratic chief of staff, to get the job done. Read More
CO: Colorado spending stimulus cash on sprawl projects, or not
Taking up a question the Colorado Independent explored last spring, Washington D.C.-based Smart Growth America and Denver's CoPirg (Colorado Public Interest Research Group) report that Colorado is funneling too much stimulus money into new roads instead of mass transit construction, which is bad because new roads translate to sprawl and because mass transit construction is more economically stimulating, creating up to 31 percent more jobs. Read More
CO: Colorado welcomes stimulus-funded jobs
Alison Barber did something unexpected this month: She found a job. Although Barber, who graduated from Colorado State University this year, says the employment rate at her construction management program dropped from 99 percent to below 50 percent this year, she was able to land a foreman position at Castle Rock Construction Co. Read More
CT: No budget deal to start fiscal year
Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Tuesday that she has signed an executive order to keep state government running when the new fiscal year begins today without a new budget enacted. Read More
CT: State faces a new fiscal year with no budget deal
Hours of last-minute talks failed to produce a deal Tuesday, and Connecticut prepared to enter the new fiscal year today without an adopted budget for just the third time since 1991, when the state adopted its income tax. Read More
DE: State budget passes in marathon session; taxes, fees to jump $206 million
Completing a marathon session that lasted until 4 a.m. today, the General Assembly passed a $3.09 billion budget, $206 million in tax and fee increases and eliminated an unprecedented $800 million revenue shortfall. Read More
DE: Mall unveils its upscale future
As other centers struggle, Christiana Mall is forging ahead into a reimagined future. Read More
DE: In budget, 2.5% cut with 5 days off
The General Assembly was heading into an early-morning special session today after taking up a $3.09 billion budget and passing $206 million in tax and fee increases. Read More
DE: Bill to boost film industry in Del. fails to get vote
A bill that would have helped bring film production to Delaware by providing loan guarantees for certain types of projects did not make it on the General Assembly's agenda by the end of the session Tuesday. Read More
FL: Many of the new companies in Florida are unregulated
The influx of new property insurance companies that have added $4.3 billion to the pool of capital available on the Florida market, consists mostly of so-called surplus insurance lines that typical homeowners can't use. Read More
FL: New state program offering $8,000 home buyer tax credit isn't ready to go
A state program that officially begins today promises to advance up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers. But the program has plenty of roadblocks ahead. Read More
FL: Prescription drug overdose deaths soar in Florida
Florida continues to see a rapid rise in fatal overdoses caused by prescription-drug abuse -- a trend fueled by a cottage industry of cash-only pain clinics -- while deaths from illegal drugs wane, according to a report from the state's medical examiners released Tuesday. Read More
FL: Consumer confidence falls in Florida, nation
Florida consumer confidence fell slightly in June, but it's not expected to fall much further in the months ahead, a survey's director said Tuesday. Read More
FL: Feds propose ending Florida's fresh citrus shipping ban
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Agriculture officials are ready to allow Florida citrus to be shipped for fresh fruit use anywhere, effectively reopening markets blocked for the past three years after canker spread throughout the state's citrus industry. Read More
FL: 65 new Florida law changes take effect today
Sixty-five new state laws go into effect today. They include an electronic tracking system to reduce the illicit sale and abuse of prescriptions drugs; requiring felony suspects to provide DNA samples; a limit to lawyer fees in workers' compensation cases; and allowing state universities to put up columbaria for the ashes of deceased alumni. Read More
FL: New cigarette tax has smokers fuming
Starting today, the price of cigarettes in Florida will go up again, thanks to a $1 increase in the state tobacco tax. Read More
FL: New insurers not much help to typical Floridian
The influx of new property insurance companies that have added $4.3 billion to the pool of capital available on the Florida market, consists mostly of so-called surplus insurance lines that typical homeowners can't use. Read More
GA: Georgia starts first stimulus-funded roadwork
The first shovel turned Tuesday on Georgia's share of $48 billion in federal economic stimulus money allocated to transportation improvements. Read More
GA: Tight budget only latest challenge for new chief justice
Carol Hunstein says her mantra is: Equal justice for all litigants, be fair and impartial and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Read More
HI: GOP chairman supports governor's fiscal strategy
Jonah Ka'auwai says he understands the fear and confusion facing thousands of state workers on this first day of Gov. Linda Lingle's controversial furlough plan for state workers. Read More
HI: Hawaii state workers rally at Capitol to protest furloughs
State workers flooded the Capitol yesterday afternoon for a rally protesting Gov. Linda Lingle's furlough plans, accusing the governor of trying to wipe out the state's budget deficit at their expense. Read More
IA: Kids of Spanish-speaking parents more likely to be uninsured
An Iowa Department of Public Health report concludes there are "pockets" of minority children in Iowa who do not have regular access to a dentist and do not get regular medical checkups. Read More
IA: Butter King of Pop will join cow at State Fair
This summer, the Iowa State Fair's famous butter cow will share its 40-degree refrigerated glass case with a sculpture of Michael Jackson. Read More
IA: Advocates push to raise Iowa earned income credit
Iowa should boost its tax credit to low-income working families to lift thousands of children out of poverty, an Iowa City think tank says.` Read More
IA: Experts confident Iowa budget will balance
Gov. Chet Culver's budget experts expressed confidence Tuesday the state's fiscal 2009 budget will end with a positive balance even in the face of eroding tax revenues. Read More
IA: State officials call smoking ban a success
State public health officials are declaring Iowa's year-old anti-smoking law a success. Read More
IA: A first for Iowa -- Alcohol revenue for year tops $100 million
Iowans are buying more liquor, beer and wine, bucking an economic trend that has seen sales of many retail products plunge over the past year. Read More
IA: High court to decide slot jackpot dispute at Prairie Meadows
The Iowa Supreme Court will referee a Des Moines truck driver's fight to reclaim nearly $10,000 in slot machine winnings that were confiscated because he had earlier been barred from the casino. Read More
IA: Merit, step raises to add $121 million to state wages
Merit raises and other perks will pump up Iowa's state employee salaries by an average of 4.3 percent in the fiscal year that begins today, despite the largest unions agreeing to a 0 percent across-the-board salary increase. Read More
IA: Law requires increase in childcare center inspections
A new state law will see more and more home-based childcare centers receive annual inspections from the Iowa Department of Human Services over the next five years. Read More
IA: Backers of proposed Franklin County casino move location
A casino and hotel complex that's being proposed in Franklin County will now be built near Dows, just off Interstate-35, if state regulators give it the go ahead. Developer Gayle Burnett, of Rockford, says it's a move of about six miles to the north for the Landmark Hotel and Casino, which was announced in 2005. Read More
IA: Local option sales tax goes up in five counties
Residents in five Iowa counties will pay a little more in sales tax starting tomorrow, July 1. Read More
IA: John Deere buyout offer draws 800 workers
Hundreds of salaried workers with the world's largest farm machinery maker are taking advantage of the company's voluntary separation program. The program was unveiled in April when Deere combined its agricultural division with the commercial and consumer equipment division. Read More
ID: Funding loss would force layoffs, ISP tells legislators
If the Idaho State Police has to absorb the loss of all its gas tax funding a year from today, it won't have anyone left to patrol the state's roads, police officials told lawmakers Tuesday. Read More
ID: Idaho seizes Iraqi dinars in investment scheme case
The state of Idaho has seized about $1 million worth of Iraqi dinars purchased in a Coeur d'Alene man's investment scheme. Read More
IL: Quinn wants tax hike -- even if it takes months
State government limped into a new budget year Wednesday without a solid spending plan and rookie Gov. Pat Quinn threatened to drag the fight out all summer until he gets an income tax increase. Read More
IL: Quinn -- Adults don't 'put off decisions'
Like a parent scolding misbehaving children, Gov. Pat Quinn admonished lawmakers Tuesday for putting off the state's problems and warned them a long, hot summer awaits in the capital city if they don't vote to raise taxes. Read More
IL: Illinois exports topped $53 billion in 2008
State officials say an international organization reports that Illinois exported $53.4 billion in goods and services in 2008 — an increase of $4.6 billion over its exports in calendar year 2007. Read More
IL: Budget ball bounces into Quinn's court
Now it's up to Gov. Pat Quinn. Illinois lawmakers left Springfield Tuesday without voting to raise taxes and after giving Quinn a budget that he's strongly indicated he finds unacceptable and will veto. Read More
IL: Chicago population rises for 2nd year in a row
For the second year in a row, Chicago's overall population increased, challenging the trend of declining population as the economy causes many urban residents to put off moves to suburbia. Read More
IN: CIB gets OK to raise taxes on hotel stays
State lawmakers passed a plan Tuesday to bail out the Capital Improvement Board, though Mayor Greg Ballard's administration said the mix of tax increases and loans will not be enough to overcome a projected $47 million deficit. Read More
KS: Kansas agriculture secretary taking USDA job
Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky has been tapped to head the Farm Service Agency in Kansas for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a position he held during the Clinton administration. Read More
KS: Kansas revenue shortfall hits $126 million
Kansas is ending the 2009 fiscal year with its tax collections $126 million below estimates. Read More
KS: State cuts DUI program's funds by 70%
State money to treat repeat drunken driving offenders has been cut by 70 percent, even as a new law calls for the program to expand. Read More
KS: Cuts may mean end to assistance
Christy Tatum moved four times in two months and is praying for a fifth move to a place she can really call home. Read More
KS: New Kansas laws kick in today; how do they affect you?
You can get wine delivered to your home, but you can't linger in the left lane of rural highways under state laws that take effect today. Many of the 144 bills signed into law after the 2009 legislative session become law today. Read More
KS: School officials dread state budget decisions as new fiscal year starts
Public school officials are dreading the start of the state's fiscal year like some students worry about the first day of school. Read More
KY: Minimum wage goes up Wednesday
Nikki Duvall can't work up a lot of enthusiasm about the prospect of Kentucky's minimum wage increasing to $7.25 an hour Wednesday. Read More
LA: Fireworks use OK in some areas, not all
HAMMOND, La. — Even with a statewide burn ban in place, residents in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes will be able to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks where they are legal. Read More
LA: State budget year begins with cuts
The new state fiscal year starts today with far less drastic budget cuts than Gov. Bobby Jindal originally proposed. Read More
LA: Regents finalize La. college cuts
Louisiana's colleges can now start cutting more than 8 percent from their state budgets for the fiscal year that begins today. Read More
LA: State revises career outlook
When the current recession ends and the economy revs up, look for registered nurses to continue occupying the driver's seat when it comes to career choices. Read More
MA: Tim Cahill slams Deval Patrick for budget trickery
Blasting Gov. Deval Patrick for practicing "budgetary sleight-of-hand," Treasurer Timothy Cahill yesterday urged lawmakers to override a gubernatorial veto that slashed $20 million from the budget. Read More
MA: State draws zones for coast wind farms
Dozens of wind turbines could sprout within sight of the Massachusetts shoreline under a first-of-its-kind state blueprint with the promise of generating both electricity and controversy. Read More
MD: Federal grant will help juvenile offenders get jobs
Maryland received a $3.1 million federal grant to help young offenders in Baltimore enter the work force, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Tuesday. Read More
MD: Md. to attack warrant backlog with $1 million of stimulus
More than $1 million in federal stimulus funding will be directed to pay overtime for police officers and sheriff's deputies to reduce a backlog of outstanding warrants, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Tuesday. Read More
MD: New state laws will take effect tomorrow
Businesses that violate liquor laws will face steeper penalties and the local tourism bureau will be on track for a funding boost under new state laws set to take effect tomorrow. Read More
ME: State, unions haggle pacts
About 1,000 workers employed at the state prison and the state's two psychiatric hospitals have agreed to a new contract that provides for no wage increases, the state Bureau of Human Resources director said Tuesday. Read More
MI: Bankruptcy not only option for DPS
Detroit Public Schools officials said Tuesday that a Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing is just one of many options being considered to address its multi-year deficit, but questions remain on how much such a filing would cost and whether the district would reap adequate benefits. Read More
MI: Lear ready to slip into bankruptcy
Lear Corp. is poised to file for bankruptcy protection as early as today, while Visteon Corp., already in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is asking a judge to cancel retiree benefits. Read More
MO: Missouri Republicans criticize plan to use bonds for buildings
Top Missouri Republicans say a proposal to finance construction projects with bonds would raise the state's debt without helping the economy. Read More
MS: $57.7M claimed so far by schools
Of Mississippi's 152 school districts, 22 have claimed a share of $132 million in federally subsidized bonds - interest-free money for new construction, building renovations and repairs. Read More
MS: Miss. lawmakers finish most of $6B budget, not PSC
Bleary-eyed Mississippi lawmakers approved most of the $6 billion budget before the state fiscal year started early Wednesday, addressing Medicaid and public safety while leaving only the state's utility regulatory agency unfunded. Read More
MS: Bill to hike wind pool goes to gov.
Legislation to put an additional $20 million into the state wind-pool insurance fund has been sent to the governor. Read More
MS: Medicaid bill goes to gov
Lawmakers sent a Medicaid reauthorization plan to Gov. Haley Barbour hours before the new fiscal year began today, along with dozens of other funding bills intended to keep state government running smoothly. Read More
NC: Beach Plan bill gets nod in House
A bill to alter a state-created insurance plan known as the Beach Plan has passed its first legislative hurdle in the state House. Read More
NC: Scandal spooks NCSU donors
For three decades, James Arthur was perfectly pleased to send an annual donation to N.C. State, the university that granted him three degrees. Read More
NC: N.C. gets an extension on its deadlocked budget
North Carolina got an extension. The legislature did not pass a new state budget by the end of the fiscal year at midnight last night, but lawmakers did approve a temporary spending bill to keep government operating. Read More
NH: Judge freezes $9 m contested NH funding
A superior court judge has frozen $9 million in surplus funding the state and New Hampshire's nursing homes both claim. Read More
NH: $11.5b state budget given OK by Lynch
Gov. John Lynch signed an $11.5 billion state budget Tuesday as one judge threatened to blow a $110 million hole in it and another put at risk a $9 million state government money grab. Read More
NH: No new contract for SEA
A midnight deadline came and went last night and most state employees still don't have a new contract, leaving unresolved a looming question of whether budget-mandated personnel cuts will come through widespread unpaid furloughs, benefits cuts or hundreds of additional layoffs. Read More
NJ: N.J. gets OK to establish vehicle emission standards
New Jersey has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles as part of a federal effort to prevent climate change, Gov. Jon Corzine announced Tuesday. Read More
NJ: New Jersey ushers in fiscal year with added, higher taxes
Happy fiscal new year, Jersey residents. New Jersey's fiscal year begins today, and with that comes higher taxes for smokers, high-income earners and businesses. Next month, hard alcohol and wine drinkers will pay more. Read More
NJ: N.J. makes financial literacy a graduation requirement
Credit score. Personal bankruptcy. Balancing a checkbook. A series of recent moves by state officials could ensure those will not be foreign terms to high school students as they head off to college. Read More
NJ: N.J. workers union OKs furloughs, raise freeze
The largest state employee union has ratified a deal calling for nine unpaid furlough days in the new fiscal year and delaying a scheduled raise for 18 months. Read More
NM: NM gets $13 million to help with jobless benefits
New Mexico is getting $13 million in federal stimulus money to pay jobless benefits and to administer its unemployment insurance program. Read More
NV: Court moves to mediate -- foreclosure hearings coming
The court action put into effect a law passed by the 2009 Legislature. Read More
NV: Nevada Supreme Court OKs foreclosure program rules
The state Supreme Court voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt rules governing confidential meetings between homeowners and lenders that could head off foreclosures. Read More
NV: How state furloughs will work, for now
With state employees set to take their first furlough days this week, the Personnel Department adopted emergency regulations governing the unpaid time off. Read More
NY: Merkin reaches accord with Cuomo on art sale
J. Ezra Merkin, the disgraced financier who lost more than $2.4 billion of his clients' money in Bernard L. Madoff's Ponzi scheme, agreed on Tuesday to sell his art collection for $310 million in a deal that could pave the way for a settlement with the New York attorney general, Andrew M. Cuomo. Read More
NY: State's top court will hear appeal against Atlantic Yards
New York's highest court has agreed to hear a case challenging the state's use of eminent domain on behalf of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn. Read More
OH: Strickland signs week's budget as slots fight rages
A temporary, one-week budget cleared the Ohio House and Gov. Ted Strickland's desk Tuesday with another in the pipeline - just in case. Read More
OH: Firms win prevailing wage ruling
In an Ottawa County case that could affect economic development projects across the state, the Ohio Supreme Court yesterday ruled unanimously that private developers do not have to pay prevailing wages when they use public dollars. Read More
OH: Stalemate continues as interim budget is signed
Like many Ohioans, state government now is living paycheck to paycheck. Read More
OH: Ohio House passes seven-day temporary budget extension while slots plan remains blocked
One state budget extension might not be enough. As the standoff over slots continued between Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican Senate President Bill Harris Tuesday, the Ohio House passed a seven-day temporary budget while queuing up a second stopgap measure for a possible vote if needed. Read More
OH: Cleveland lost nearly 10 percent of its population this decade, census data shows
Some cities will be toasting the decennial census next year, celebrating population gains and a bright future. But it's likely there will be no champagne corks popping in Cleveland City Hall. The city is losing people at an alarming, trend-setting pace. Read More
OK: Oklahoma House Speaker, AT&T announce CNG vehicles
TULSA, Okla.— AT&T is rolling out a fleet of at least 30 compressed natural gas vehicles this year in part because of tax incentives approved by the Oklahoma Legislature. Read More
OR: Oregon governor blasts Democrats for job program failure
Gov. Ted Kulongoski praised accomplishments by the Legislature on Tuesday, but he had harsh words for fellow Democrats who let his favorite job-creation bill languish. Read More
OR: Pipeline permitting bill dies; sponsor mourns for taxpayers
While opponents of liquefied natural gas projects were celebrating the demise of a pipeline-permitting bill Monday night, state Sen. Vicki Walker, D-Eugene, used her final floor speech of the 2009 session to accuse House Democrats of abandoning taxpayers in a fit of legislative pique related to the controversial projects. Read More
OR: Battle rages over budget
Legislators attempted in their final budget to define the boundaries of what unionized state workers will have to sacrifice in contract talks this year to help address Oregon's fiscal crisis. Read More
OR: Voters may end up deciding fate of tax increases
Lawmakers' actions affecting the economy this session are frequently viewed through the prism of the major budget-balancing tax increases. Read More
PA: 'I'm hopeful we don't have a car repair'
Earlier this year, Gov. Ed Rendell warned state workers they might have to work without pay if a budget wasn't passed by June 30. That possibility is now near, and some state workers are worried they might be forced into a tough financial spot. Read More
PA: What's ahead? Rendell sees no quick end
State budget negotiations dragged on Tuesday during the final hours of Pennsylvania's recession-plagued budget year, as Gov. Ed Rendell and Republican leaders each signaled no breakthrough was in sight. Read More
PA: Lawmakers miss deadline, pay; workers next?
State lawmakers are paid on the first of each month, but not today. The new fiscal year begins with no state budget deal in sight, and the impasse has put their monthly paychecks on hold until an agreement is reached. Read More
PA: Rendell lines up loans, credit for state employees
In a sign that state budget talks could drag on for weeks or months, Gov. Ed Rendell today announced that 10 banks and credit unions are offering no-interest loans and lines of credit for up to 69,000 state employees whose paychecks could halt July 17. Read More
PA: Pa. high court to hear challenge in Risperdal case
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed yesterday to hear a legal challenge over whether the Rendell administration should be allowed to use a Texas law firm to pursue a case against a drugmaker on behalf of Pennsylvania. Read More
PA: Bill would shift Pa. legal notices to the Web
A state House committee yesterday advanced a bill that would allow municipalities and school boards to cut costs by posting legal notices online. Read More
PA: Bill to expand Pa. health insurance sparks debate
Democratic leaders in Pennsylvania hope to double the number of residents who receive state-sponsored health insurance, known as adultBasic, but Republicans fear the costs may be too high. Read More
PA: Another fiscal year ends, another Pennsylvania standoff ensues
As Pennsylvania missed its budget deadline for the seventh year, Senate Republicans on Tuesday presented united opposition to Gov. Ed Rendell's proposed state tax increases and demanded the Democrat-controlled House vote on a spending plan. Read More
PA: Pa. state budget battle continues
Once again, state officials are stumbling into a new fiscal year without having enacted a new state budget. "We will be graded poorly by the people," said Rep. Mario Civera, R-Delaware County. Read More
RI: Carcieri OKs $7.8-billion R.I. budget
Governor Carcieri on Tuesday reluctantly signed into law a $7.8-billion budget package that raises Rhode Island's gas tax by 2 cents per gallon, cuts millions of dollars from cities and towns, and trims pension benefits for thousands of state workers and teachers. Read More
RI: $3 million in stimulus money to be used for fish ladders
For years, a consortium of government agencies and advocacy groups has struggled for funding to knock down dams and build fish ladders to help restore local fish migrations. That work was jump-started on Tuesday when the federal government came forward with $3 million in stimulus money for six projects on the Ten Mile and Pawcatuck rivers. Read More
RI: R.I. Senate recesses with bills in limbo
Just before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed banged her gavel and sent the Senate into extended recess for at least part of the summer, capping a chaotic month on Smith Hill that ended with both chambers on indeterminate breaks and major legislation still up in the air. Read More
RI: EPA lets R.I., 13 other states impose tougher auto emission standards
The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday granted California, Rhode Island and 12 other states the authority they had sought for years to impose automobile tailpipe emissions standards that are stricter than those promulgated by the federal government. Read More
SC: State's Labor Dept. checking for illegal immigrants
Major businesses in South Carolina are being audited by the state's labor agency to determine if they are hiring illegal immigrants. Read More
SD: Xcel Energy seeks rate increase
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy on Tuesday applied for an electric rate increase that would raise the monthly bill for a typical residential user by 12.4 percent, or $8.55. Read More
SD: One in six kids in S.D. fighting poverty
One in six South Dakota children live in poverty, according to a report issued Tuesday by a children's advocacy group. Read More
SD: Storm facing tough loss: S.D. license
The Sioux Falls Storm must pay or appeal a South Dakota sales tax bill by July 7 or risk losing its business license, a team official says. Read More
TX: Perry insists on short special session agenda
Gov. Rick Perry is being pressed to add issues ranging from children's health care to voter identification to the agenda of the special session that begins Wednesday, but his answer is still no. Read More
TX: Stimulus money to help fund marsh rescue project
More than $5 million in federal stimulus money will help in the restoration of West Galveston Bay's rapidly dying marshes, officials said Tuesday. Read More
TX: Senate could conclude business in two days
With a special legislative session scheduled to begin this morning — either a short one that Gov. Rick Perry wants or a longer one as some critics predict — Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Tuesday predicted the Senate could get its business done in only two days. Read More
TX: Transportation leads agenda for session
The special legislative session that starts today includes measures to allow private companies to build more toll roads across the state — an idea opponents have dubbed "the largest tax increase in history." Read More
TX: Texas only state yet to apply for stabilization funds
When the federal government started dangling billions of stimulus dollars for education in front of states, many snapped up the money right away. Read More
TX: All ready for the special session? Lawmakers introduce bills responsive to Perry's call
The Legislature meets tomorrow (Wednesday) to kick off the special session called last week by Gov. Rick Perry, and transportation will dominate the agenda. It could be a quick ride, or a bitter fight -- depending on how willing lawmakers are to push their differences down the road, until they return for the 2011 regular session. Read More
US: Recession's aftershocks may last for years
Much ado has been made in recent weeks about how the stock market's fine spring rally was telegraphing an economic recovery later this year. But many of the people who didn't see one of the worst recessions in 70 years coming in December 2007 are the same ones now proclaiming it all but over in 2009. Read More
US: Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. Read More
US: Community colleges see demand spike, funding slip
Hundreds of thousands of students are likely to be turned away from low-cost community colleges across the country over the next year because of funding cuts at the very time that record numbers of students are flocking to the open-admission schools, according to education officials. Read More
US: States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. Read More
VA: State accuses Northrop Grumman of breach
The state now is accusing Northrop Grumman of failing to deliver computer services and hinting at unspecified action against the giant company. Read More
VA: Shrinking number of Va. acres devoted to peanuts
Virginia farmers planted a record low 12,000 acres of peanuts this year. Read More
VA: Texting ban, other new laws in effect today across Virginia
The following laws, passed by the Virginia General Assembly, go into effect July 1, 2009. Read More
VA: Prohibition on texting by drivers starts in Va.
Virginia drivers will face new restrictions today, when hundreds of laws take effect, including a ban on sending or reading text messages and e-mails. Read More
VT: Today is first day for new state laws
All new statutes that don't have other specified effective dates go into law today. That means everything from new tax increases to new programs to new rules for citizens, regulators and businesses. Read More
VT: State hires bankruptcy firm for FairPoint case
The state of Vermont hired a law firm with experience in corporate bankruptcy cases this week as FairPoint Communications, one of its largest telephone and Internet companies, flounders financially. Read More
VT: Vt. awaits $94M in stimulus funds
Vermont has met the deadline to apply for $94 million in education stimulus funding from the federal government — now it's a waiting game to see when that money will come. Read More
VT: Two states restrict firms' gifts to doctors
No more free lunch for some New England doctors -- at least not from drug companies. Under laws taking effect Wednesday in Massachusetts and Vermont, pharmaceutical companies and medical-device makers will be banned from giving doctors such gifts as resort trips or even coffee mugs. Read More
WA: State budget year begins with 3,200 jobs on the block
Many state agencies are keeping employees on the payroll a bit longer as Washington's government starts a new budget year today with 3,200 jobs on the chopping block. Read More
WA: $43M to finish housing projects
WASHINGTON -- The federal government is funding Washington state with $43 million to help finish affordable-housing projects that are currently stalled because of the economic recession, according to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. Read More
WA: State receives $16.4 million for coastal restoration
Washington state will receive about $16.4 million in federal stimulus money to restore damaged wetlands, reopen fish passages and improve habitat for threatened salmon. Read More
WA: Statewide distribution problem may limit alcohol sales during Fourth of July weekend
State workers are scrambling to fix a distribution problem that has crimped the flow of alcohol to customers across the state, as liquor stores and restaurants are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year. Read More
WI: Professional license fee hikes approved
The cost of being a barber, accountant, social worker and nurse is going up in Wisconsin. Read More
WI: Many promises broken in Wisconsin budget process
Many promises were made and broken during the nearly five-month process of passing Wisconsin's new two-year budget. Read More
WI: New right to unionize bothers many in University of Wisconsin System
The new right to unionize for University of Wisconsin System faculty and staff has set the stage for a fight at the state level, as thousands of System employees could get assigned into specific unions without getting a chance to vote. Read More
WI: Doubts about Michigan offer to GM
Governor Doyle is questioning how Michigan beat out Wisconsin in a bid to have General Motors build a new line of small cars in Janesville. Read More
WI: Revolving door bill is back
New, yet familiar, legislation passes one hurdle at the state capitol. Read More
WI: More reasons to quit
Wisconsin is just one year away from implementation of a statewide smoking ban and smokers will start paying even more for cigarettes in September. Read More
WI: Doyle's veto hasn't solved UW union controversy
Gov. Jim Doyle used his veto pen this week to weigh in on a dispute over whether some University of Wisconsin System staff can be absorbed - without an opportunity to vote - into existing labor unions. Read More
WI: Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. Read More
Furloughs cut into state services
With states facing a $121 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year, a growing number of them have turned to squeezing their workforce for savings, and effects both great and small will be felt. Read More |
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